Summer in Venice hits different. The breeze off the ocean, the never-ending sunshine, the roller skaters gliding down the boardwalk—it’s the kind of energy that makes kids want to run, jump, play, and do anything but sit still. But between family vacations, melting popsicles, and sleep-ins that turn into afternoons, there’s a sweet spot of time where local parents start asking, “What’s something that’ll get them moving and keep them happy?” The answer, nine times out of ten, is sports. Not just for the fitness or the fresh air, but because sports shape kids in a way nothing else does—they teach confidence, teamwork, hustle, and how to bounce back when things don’t go your way. Lucky for us, Venice has more than a few ways to plug into that spirit this summer.
Flag Football On The Beach Brings The Heat (And A Breeze)
There’s something about running routes in the sand that levels the playing field. You can be lightning fast on turf, but take that to the beach and suddenly everyone’s got to work a little harder to cut and pivot. That’s what makes Venice Beach’s flag football programs such a hit with kids from all over the Westside. It’s competitive, yes, but there’s something almost goofy and fun about the way the sand slows everyone down just enough to make every play feel like a mini-adventure. And the coaches? They get it. They’re not out there yelling at eight-year-olds to run suicides—they’re out there teaching footwork, throwing technique, and sportsmanship in a way that kids actually respond to.
And let’s talk about the gear for a second. Because when it comes to looking the part, there’s no beating today’s fashionable, comfortable youth football apparel. Gone are the itchy jerseys and weird plastic mesh tops of the past. Today’s gear moves with kids, breathes in the heat, and still looks sharp enough for a post-practice smoothie stop on Abbot Kinney. It’s that perfect blend of function and style that actually makes kids want to wear it, which—let’s be honest—means fewer battles in the morning and more time making it to practice on time.
Basketball Camps That Build Confidence—And Crossovers
Venice has always had basketball in its blood. From the courts by the boardwalk to the local rec centers just inland, the sound of a bouncing ball is kind of like the neighborhood’s heartbeat. And this summer, some of the most respected youth trainers in L.A. are setting up camps right in our backyard. These aren’t cookie-cutter programs either. The drills are intense, but fun, with stations for ball-handling, shooting, footwork, and even film study for the older kids who want to take their game to the next level.
What makes these camps work isn’t just the talent of the coaches, though—it’s the vibe. They’re tough, sure, but they’re also deeply invested in each kid who shows up. Whether your kid dreams of playing varsity or just wants to feel like they belong on the court at recess, they’ll leave with their head held higher than when they walked in. That sense of growth, of “hey, I did something hard today and didn’t quit”—it’s worth every sweaty drive home.
Skateboarding Camps That Feel Like Freedom
Of course, we can’t talk about Venice and leave out skateboarding. It’s the soul of the neighborhood. And if your kid’s been circling the skatepark like a curious little shark, now’s the time to let them dive in. Local instructors—many of whom grew up skating these very bowls—are hosting camps this summer that offer more than just lessons. They offer community. Confidence. And a kind of creativity you don’t always find in traditional sports.
Beginners start small, learning balance and control on mellow ramps. More advanced skaters get coaching on tricks, lines, and even filming their own skate clips. And in between, there’s a lot of laughter, a few scrapes, and moments where a kid lands something they didn’t think they could. That’s what keeps them coming back.
Soccer Camps That Go Beyond The Basics
Soccer has exploded in L.A. over the last decade, and Venice has become a low-key hotbed for talent. But even if your kid has never laced up cleats before, there’s a camp for them. From co-ed programs that focus on fun and movement to more advanced training that dives into strategy and conditioning, there’s something for every skill level. And unlike some team sports, soccer offers nearly non-stop action. No long stints standing around waiting for a turn. Just movement, touches, and those little moments of “yes!” that make it addictive.
One of the biggest perks of Venice soccer camps is how naturally diverse they are. Kids meet teammates from all backgrounds, hear different languages on the field, and learn how to work together without even thinking about it. It’s a sports camp with a side of real-world education—and parents love it just as much as the kids.
Surf Camps That Stick With Them For Life
Surfing in Venice isn’t just a sport. It’s a rite of passage. And while it might seem intimidating to throw your kid into the waves, the local surf instructors know exactly how to make it approachable—and fun. They start on the sand, teaching water safety, balance, and how to read the ocean. Then they head into the shallows, one-on-one, making sure every kid gets their first few rides with hands-on support.
Something shifts when a kid stands up on a wave for the first time. You see it in their face. It’s not just pride or excitement—it’s freedom. And that feeling sticks. Long after summer ends, long after the boards go back in the garage, the memory of that wave, that moment—it lives on. That’s the kind of summer experience that doesn’t just burn off energy. It builds something deeper.
Summer That Moves With Them
Venice isn’t about sitting still, and your kid shouldn’t be either. Whether they’re learning to slide into home, carve a bowl, or catch a wave, summer sports camps offer a way to stay active, stay social, and come home just a little stronger than they left. And in a world full of screens and distractions, that’s a pretty solid win.
